Shortly after the boat departed, a technical problem occurred and caused water leakage. Many passengers on the lower deck rushed to the second floor, causing the boat to flip on one side and eventually sink.

Zhu Weidong, counselor and consul general of the Chinese embassy in Thailand, confirmed that one tourist from China's Hong Kong died in the accident, one other from Hong Kong and one from Guangdong province were injured.

The victims also include three Thais. At least 26 people were injured, the Nation reported.

The salvage operation is still underway as of press time. Witnesses said that they could not find enough life vests on the boat.